Press release
Turcot interchange: A major investment with significant spin-offs
Montréal, June 29, 2007 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes today's announcement by Transport Minister Julie Boulet and Raymond Bachand, Minister responsible for the Montréal region, of a major investment in Montréal for the rebuilding of the entire Turcot interchange.
The Turcot interchange is not just a nerve centre in Montréal's road network but also the most important crossroads in Quebec, handling a large percentage of all east-west traffic in the province. We are thus talking about a strategic investment not only for Montréal but also for many drivers and truckers from all over Quebec, declared Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
Such investments are particularly important for the economy of Montréal in that the existence of high-performance infrastructure adapted to today's needs is key to the productivity of our companies. According to Statistics Canada, every dollar invested in urban infrastructure yields productivity gains equivalent to savings of 17 cents for companies. So, in addition to directly stimulating the economy of the metropolis, this investment will promote the efficiency and competitiveness of businesses throughout the province. In short, it is a highly significant investment, added Hudon.
The Board of Trade is also pleased by the choices made within the framework of this project that will maximize economic spin-offs and improve the immediate environment of the interchange. The area bordering Highway 20 that will be freed for redevelopment is another reason the Board of Trade believes the announced investment can be qualified as developmental, concluded Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its primary mission is to represent the interests of the business community of the Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
Sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca